Srinagar, Aug 11 (JKNS): Secretary, Transport Department, Jammu, Avny Lavasa, on Tuesday conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the Automated Testing Station (ATS) under construction at Pampore, Kashmir, and directed the concerned agencies to ensure completion and operationalisation of the facility within the stipulated timeline.
During the inspection, the Secretary took a detailed assessment of the progress of the ongoing civil, technical and infrastructure works at the site. She reviewed the status of site development, installation of automated vehicle-testing equipment, supporting infrastructure and other arrangements required for making the facility fully operational.
Avny Lavasa stressed that the ATS project is an important initiative of the Transport Department aimed at establishing a scientific, transparent, technology-driven and standardised system for vehicle fitness testing in Jammu and Kashmir.
She directed the executing agency and all concerned stakeholders to maintain strict adherence to the approved implementation schedule and ensure that all remaining works are completed in a coordinated and time-bound manner.
The Secretary also reviewed the preparedness for installation and commissioning of the testing equipment and sought regular updates regarding the progress of different components of the project. She emphasised that any issues having the potential to delay the project should be identified and resolved promptly.
Javed Bhat, representing Rosmerta Technologies Limited, briefed the Secretary on the latest status of the project and apprised her of the works completed so far and the activities presently under execution.
Rosmerta Technologies Limited has been provided an 18-month period for establishment and operationalisation of the ATS facilities. The representative assured the Secretary that the ATS at Pampore, along with the facility at Khanpur, Nagrota, Jammu, would be completed and made operational within the stipulated timeframe.
Two ATS Centres to Strengthen Vehicle Fitness Certification
The two Automated Testing Stations at Khanpur, Nagrota, Jammu and Pampore, Kashmir are being implemented by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, after being allotted to JKRTC by the Motor Vehicles Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
Rosmerta Technologies Limited, Gurugram, has been engaged as the private-sector partner for establishing and operating the facilities for the prescribed period.
The foundation stones of the two ATS centres were laid by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the presence of Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, marking an important step towards modernising the vehicle fitness-testing infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the inspection, Secretary Transport highlighted that the ATS facilities would significantly reduce manual intervention in vehicle fitness certification and facilitate objective, uniform, reliable and transparent testing of vehicles.
She observed that the initiative would also play an important role in strengthening road safety by ensuring that vehicles operating on the roads meet prescribed mechanical and safety standards.
Avny Lavasa directed JKRTC and the concerned agencies to maintain close and continuous monitoring of the project, with particular emphasis on adherence to timelines, quality of execution and timely commissioning of the facility.
She reiterated that the Transport Department is committed to introducing modern,technology-enabled and transparent systems in the transport sector and ensuring that the benefits of such reforms reach the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. (JKNS)